Pool deck&#39; zebo

ABSTRACT

A moveable gazebo structure that slides over the pool to cover it. The gazebo is mounted on a platform that rolls on rails installed adjacent to the pool. The gazebo may slide from north to south and vice-versa or from east to west or vice-versa. This invention is motorized but it may be moved manually.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

A moveable gazebo structure that slides over the pool to cover it. The gazebo is mounted on a platform that rolls on rails installed adjacent to the pool. The gazebo may slide from north to south and vice-versa or from east to west or vice-versa. This invention is motorized but it may be moved manually.

2. Description of the Prior Art

There are pools almost everywhere. Many homeowners have their own private pools in their backyards. After getting the pool, then, they need to secure the pool to avoid accidents. Also, they usually build a gazebo for picnics or a place to cover from sun. So, the moveable pool deck gazebo can do it. It contributes to the security avoiding children or other people use without supervision. To avoid the use by strangers. It reduces the cost of constructing a gazebo, and implementing the security. It reduces the dirt in the pool avoiding things falling to water while the pool is not in use. It improves the esthetics and beautifulness of your house and yard. Also adds value to the property. Reuses the yard spaces. Reduces the construction cost related to pool features. Helps reduce the pool water evaporation. Reduce the chemical usage because it keeps the pool cleaner and avoids rainwater to get in the pool.

It should be noted, that no matter if the gazebo is over or at the side of the pool, it is usable. The family or the users may enjoy the gazebo while using the pool or may enjoy the gazebo while it is over the pool. It is also important to notice that many other pool covers are available for rectangular or square pools. But this invention is available for any pool no matter the shape, because the gazebo is over the platform which hides the pool and the form of it doesn't affect its operations.

There are many other pool decks patented that exist in the prior art. Typical of these are U.S. Pat. Nos. 3,662,410; 3,854,149; 4,175,361; 4,459,711; 4,466,143; 4,494,256; 4,601,072; 4,683,686; 5,168,675; 5,799,342; 5,970,531; 6,026,522; 6,374,433 B1; 6,604,327 B1; 6,622,318 B2; 6,708,706 B1; 6,871,362 B1. While these pool decks are suitable for the purposes they were made, they would not be suitable for the presented invention.

U.S. Pat. No. 3,662,410

Inventor: Lankheet Issued: May 16, 1972

A plurality of support members for the pool enclosure extend upwardly from a foundation and then curve out over the pool and are fastened at their opposite ends to a steel gutter which in turn is secured to the eave of a house. Each support member, except the end two, includes a pair of tracks on either side such that a flexible, insulated panel can be slidably supported between a pair of adjacent support members in one of said tracks, while a second flexible, insulated panel can be supported between adjacent support members and the second track. Each end support member includes a pair of tracks only on one side, pointing inwardly.

U.S. Pat. No. 3,854,149

Inventor: Mischke Issued: Dec. 17, 1974

A canopy to provide shade which converts to a cover for an adjacent swimming pool has a roof hinged to a back; the back is hinged to a base which in turn is hinged for relative rotation to ground securing means. The entire assembly may be pivoted about the ground securing means and extended over the top of a swimming pool to provide a cover for the pool.

U.S. Pat. No. 4,175,361

Inventor: Kumode Issued: Nov. 27, 1979

An openable canopy housing having a series of movable, telescoping transparent arched panels which form the combination roof and sides. Part of the roof of the housing is formed by a horizontal beam which runs the length of the structure. The transparent panels can be selectively opened or closed to provide a structure which can be used for indoor as well as outdoor use.

U.S. Pat. No. 4,459,711

Inventor: Sartain et al. Issued: Jul. 17, 1984

A swimming pool cover assembly is adapted to be operated by hand by a single person, for extending a cover sheet over a swimming pool or for retracting the cover. The cover sheet is wound upon a drum at one end of the pool, while a rope is wound upon a spool located at one end of the drum. A hand crank or electric motor is used either to drivingly rotate the spool to take up the rope, or to drivingly rotate the drum to take up the cover. The rope is positioned in a tensioned loop configuration with its remote end being connected to the forward end of the cover sheet, and is supported on pulleys removably secured to the pool decking. The hand crank or motor drives either the spool or the drum through a gear mechanism, being automatically switched from one to the other depending upon the direction of rotation of the hand crank. Side fasteners secured along the side edges and free end of the cover sheet are removably attached to anchors on the pool decking when the cover is in its extended position.

U.S. Pat. No. 4,466,143

Inventor: Lamb Issued: Aug. 21, 1984

A wheel assembly for use with extendible and retractable swimming pool covers having a raised leading edge. The apparatus of the present invention preferably comprises two rigid arms which each have a wheel attached to one end thereof. The other end of the arms are rotatably connected to an expandable plug which is adapted to fit into one end of the horizontal leading edge carrier member of the pool cover. A bolt passes through a washer, through an axial bore in the expandable plug, and through holes in the ends of both arms so as to connect all of the component parts together. A wing nut is then tightened onto the end of the bolt, thereby causing the expandable plug to expand within the leading edge carrier member. The wheel assembly is thus secured to the end of the carrier member, with the arms being prevented from further rotation after installation.

U.S. Pat. No. 4,494,256

Inventor: Radtke et al. Issued: Jan. 22, 1985

A pool cover sheet has beaded edges guided in side edge guides along the pool. The cover sheet is wound onto and pulled from a spool mounted on a motor driven shaft. The cover sheet is pulled by the spool by cords traveling along the side edge guides with cords being wound onto and from cord drums. The velocity of the cover sheet travel is attempted to be matched to the cover sheet velocity by means frustoconical drums having tapered surfaces onto which the cords are wound and unwound. To attempt to equalize the tension in the cords as well as in the cover sheet, the spools and drums are driven through opposed torsion springs from a common main shaft. The tension in the respective sides of the sheet or in the respective cords may be adjusted to take up any slack found to occur. A traversing cord handling carriage moves in timed relationship to the velocity of the cord travel and lays the cord onto or takes it from the tapered drum surface at a velocity matched to velocity of the cord traveling in the side edge guides or at the front of the cover sheet.

U.S. Pat. No. 4,601,072

Inventor: Aine Issued: Jul. 22, 1986

A thermally insulative buoyant swimming pool cover floats on the surface of the pool for covering the pool and for retaining the heat within the pool. Sinking means, such as weights or a mechanical pull-down structure, may be secured to the pool cover along certain predetermined action lines such as fold lines. In one embodiment, an inflatable and deflatable bladder is coupled to the weights. The bladder is dimensioned relative to the weights such that when inflated it overcomes the negative buoyancy of the weights to retain the pool cover in the fully covered position. However, when the bladder is deflated, the weights overcome the positive buoyancy of the cover along the certain fold lines causing the cover to be at least partially pulled below the surface of the pool and folded while at the same time being retracted against one of the side walls of the pool. Pool water is circulated over or through channels of the pool cover to provide solar heating. Pool water is circulated over the top of the cover for cleaning thereof. The weights, in one embodiment, are hollow to receive the inflatable bladders. Air permeable structures are contained within the bladders to obtain more uniform inflation thereof. The lip of the cover contains additional positive buoyancy for additional support at the lip. In an alternative embodiment, air and water are fed into a container or conduit portion of the cover, the ratio by volume of air to water is changed for switching the cover between a pool covering and a pool uncovering state. Air is injected via a venturi into the pool return line which is connected to the cover. The air and water mixture is fed through solar heating channels of the cover for solar heating of the pool water.

U.S. Pat. No. 4,683,686

Inventor: Ozdemir Issued: Aug. 4, 1987

A removable enclosure cover for a swimming pool or the like is disclosed. The enclosure cover includes a plurality of rigid frame members of rectangular panel sections. Th frame members are spaced apart and extend parallel to one another transversely across the pool area. A flexible material is stretched between the frame members. A pair of spaced parallel channel-shaped track members extend along the sides of the pool and guide means is attached to the lower ends of each of the frame members. The guide means has rollers which extend into the interior of the track members. One roller rolls along the bottom of the track members and is mounted on a vertically movable carriage, permitting the frame members to be moved together to one end of the pool deck and collapsing the flexible material to uncover the pool. A threaded adjustment is provided for raising and lowering the carriage with the roller thereon so that the top portion of the track may be clamped between the roller carriage and the bottom of the frame member. The other roller is adapted to engage the sides of the track member to longitudinally guide the frame members.

U.S. Pat. No. 5,168,675

Inventor: Shea, Sr. Issued: Dec. 8, 1992

A manufactured building structure which can be transported via road travel. The structure includes a pool, spa, or the like which can be shifted between a travel position inside the structure to a lowered operative position when the structure reaches its destination.

U.S. Pat. No. 5,799,342

Inventor: Last Issued: Sep. 1, 1998

A manually powered swimming pool cover drive for extending and retracting swimming pool covers is described which includes a pair of overrunning, one-way clutch devices journaled around a drive shaft coupled for rotating a swimming pool cover drum for retracting a swimming pool cover and a pair of one-way clutch devices journaled around a drive shaft coupled for rotating a cable reel for extending a swimming pool cover. The respective pairs of overrunning, one-way clutch devices are reciprocated back and forth respectively, manually with long lever handles for rotating the respective drive shafts.

U.S. Pat. No. 5,970,531

Inventor: Demby Issued: Oct. 26, 1999

A modular, wooden, pool cover frame, designed to replace conventional floating supports with a frame that spans the area above the pool, providing rigid support that is not susceptible to the problems such as puncture, rupture, structural integrity failure or water sitting on the pool cover. An A-frame like wooden structure covers the entire pool area. The frame is modular in design and has a plurality of locking wheel assemblies on the bottom thereof making it easy to store and set up, even by a single person. Depending upon the size and shape of the pool, a number of vertically aligned, equally spaced A-frame assemblies are placed spanning across the pool and are connected to one another by multiple support beams. Additional support arms are angled from the A-frame components to the ground in order to provide additional support. With the pool cover placed over the frame, a tent-like shape results that allows debris and water to run off the pool cover.

U.S. Pat. No. 6,026,522

Inventor: Last Issued: Feb. 22, 2000

A manually powered swimming pool cover drive for extending and retracting swimming pool covers and which includes a pair of overrunning one way clutch devices for intermittent coupled rotation with and also freewheeling about a drive shaft. A drum rotates with the drive shaft and allows winding of a cover about the drum when retracted from a covered position over a swimming pool. A pair of one way clutches may be trained around a drive shaft and coupled for rotating a cable reel allowing for the winding of cables used to extend a swimming pool cover. The respective pairs of overrunning, one-way clutches are reciprocated back and forth respectively in a type of indexing operation, manually and with long lever handles for rotating the drive shafts.

U.S. Pat. No. 6,374,433 B1

Inventor: Gray Issued: Apr. 23, 2002

A moveable hot tub cover structure removably covers a hot tub and includes at least one rail structure mounted generally adjacent the hot tub and extending outwards therefrom and a rigid hot tub cover structure including at least two upright walls having bases and upper sections and a roof extending between and connecting the at least two upright walls adjacent upper sections thereof such that the roof is spaced from the bases of the upright walls to permit the rigid hot tub cover structure to enclose the hot tub and be used with the rigid hot tub cover structure thereon. At least two rail-engaging wheels are mounted on the rigid hot tub cover structure. The wheels are operative to rollably engage the rail structure. A drive device, such as a garage door opener-type chain drive, is operatively connected to the hot tub cover structure for rollably moving the rigid hot tub cover structure on the rail structure between a hot tub covering position over and above the hot tub and a hot tub open position adjacent to and not covering the hot tub whereby the hot tub is useable in both the hot tub covering and open positions.

U.S. Pat. No. 6,604,327 B1

Inventor: Reville Issued: Aug. 12, 2003

A retractable trackless spa enclosure includes at least two sections, a first section being slightly smaller than a second section. The first section may be retracted into the second section in reverse telescoping fashion. Both sections are mounted on wheels so that the spa may be more easily moved. Both sections of the enclosure may also include a sliding door for access/egress. In addition, the front end panel of the front section is pivotally mounted on rollers that move within a track. The pivotal mounting allows the front end panel to be rotated in its frame, so that it can be moved to a position horizontal to the ground, thereby providing sufficient clearance for the enclosure to pass over the spa. When the enclosure is retracted, the front end panel can be moved to a position adjacent the end wall of the rear section, so that an open-ended alcove is formed. The frame of the structure is formed from extruded aluminum, and is therefore very lightweight. The roof utilizes unique purlins that enable the roof to meet snow load requirements with a minimum of material. The panels inserted into the frame will typically be clear plastic.

U.S. Pat. No. 6,622,318 B2

Inventor: Mathis Issued: Sep. 23, 2003

A pool cover system including a pool cover collecting drum supported for rotation on its ends and a drive gear connected to the drum by a drive shaft. A power gear is operably connected to a portable electric drill by a power shaft, engaging the drive gear. Upon activation of the drill, the collecting drum rotates retracting the pool cover. A complementary apparatus on the same side of the pool, such as a rope reel collecting apparatus having an engageable drive gear and a drive shaft connected to a reel, extends the pool cover over the pool by pulling on a rope attached to a rigid end of the pool cover. The pool cover is extended and retracted with the sides sliding in one channel of a dual channel track, allowing the cover to serve as a safety cover.

U.S. Pat. No. 6,708,706 B1

Inventor: Robinson Issued: Mar. 23, 2004

A retractable pool shade, for use with a pool having a pool edge and a pool deck extending outside of the pool edge, having a shading assembly and a stand. The stand has a pair of horizontal members which extend parallel to each other and are supported by legs. The shading assembly includes a shading element which is selectively deployable along the horizontal members. Wheels are provided at the bottom of the legs to selectively provide mobility to the pool shade around the pool deck. Suction cups are associated with the legs to selectively engage the pool deck to maintain the stand in a stationary position.

U.S. Pat. No. 6,871,362 B1

Inventor: Zell Issued: Mar. 29, 2005

The present invention 10 discloses a pair of end heads 28, 30 that are interconnected onto the inwardly disposed tube assembly 26 to form the pool cover 12 storage reel. Hand wheels 32 are rotationally attached to tube assembly 26 by end tubes 36 on the outside of the end heads 28, 30. Each of the end heads 28, 30 includes a pair of casters 40 mounted to the bottom surface of the end head. The tube assembly 26 consists of five components, a center tube 34, two outer tubes 36 and two end caps 42. The center tube is of larger diameter and allows for the two outer tubes to be telescopically inserted into the opposing distal ends. The cylindrically shaped tubes include mating male 48 and female 46 extrusions along the surfaces to ensure joint rotational movement of the tube assembly. The telescoping tubes 26 include a series of holes 38 along the surface creating cavities and providing convenient and efficient means to store the straps, springs or other anchoring means that are positioned around the perimeter of the covering.

SUMMARY OF THE PRESENT INVENTION

This invention provides a cover for pools in which a gazebo-like is mounted over the cover called platform. It is mounted on a rail-like structure and will move motorized or manually. The platform of the gazebo moves away from the pool or over the pool and also goes back or forward from the pool. It works no matter the size and form of the pool because it is constructed around the pool. Also, the gazebo-like and platform may be used while it is covering the pool or off the pool. The gazebo-like could be mounted on any place of the platform and will not affect the functionality of the invention. This invention can be mounted on any side of the pool and moves over the pool and goes back to its point of origin.

This invention goes beyond the needs to cover pools. It exceeds the need of safety for pools and reuses the space surrounding and over the pool. It also supplies a place in where the family members may enjoy a picnic while protecting themselves from the sun.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWING FIGURES

FIG. 1 Shows the gazebo-like in the platform that moves from north, point A, to over the pool, point B.

FIG. 2 Shows the gazebo-like in the platform parallel to the pool that moves from the west, point C, to over the pool, point D.

FIG. 3 Shows the platform with the gazebo-like structure. It is what moves to cover the pool.

FIG. 4 Shows the platform structure where the gazebo-like is mounted and the one that runs on the rail.

FIG. 5 Shows the rail structure.

FIG. 6 Shows the wheel over the rail

FIG. 7 Shows the system that moves the platform. The platform is mounted over this system.

DESCRIPTION OF THE REFERENCES NUMERALS

-   10. The gazebo-like structure that is mounted over the platform. -   11. The platform, where the gazebo-like is mounted that moves it     over the pool -   12. The rail adjacent to the pool. -   13. The pool. -   16. The base of the platform. Constructed with structural aluminum. -   17. The middle of the platform. It covers the base and gives support     to the upper lever of the platform. It is built in aluminum. -   18. The outside part of the platform and is constructed to avoid the     user falling in the water. It is constructed with polyvinyl. -   19. Bolt that supports the rail. It goes adjacent to the pool. -   20. Long square support that secures the position of the rail. It     connects corner with corner via a stick and a hole. -   21. Stick or a hole, vary depending on the corner they are     presented. -   22. Stainless steel round rod object that works like the base of the     rail system. The wheel supported on the platform will run over it. -   23. The wheel supported on the platform and gives movement to it. It     runs over a round rod. -   25. Heavy-duty synchronous belts that transfer movement from one     axis to another. -   27. Bearing to absorb the torque force created by the spindle of the     axis. -   28. Motor that gives the movement to the axis. -   29. Heavy-duty synchronous belts that connect the motor with the     axis and give movement to the whole platform.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

The invention is about a gazebo-like structure to cover pools. All the components/parts will be secured with stainless steel screws. The gazebo (10) is mounted over a platform (11) constructed of structural aluminum (16) covered with aluminum plates (17) which will be covered with polyvinyl (18). This is moved by wheels (23) over rails (22) connected to an axis made of stainless steel attached to the platform (11) by bearings (27) which is moved by heavy-duty synchronous belts (29) which is pushed by a motor (28) allowing it to roll horizontally from point A to point B (FIG. 1) or to roll horizontally lateral from point C to point D (FIG. 2) of the pool (12). 

1. I claim a moveable pool deck cover structure that works like a gazebo. Meaning gazebo structure over a platform that covers and uncovers the pool.
 2. The system of claim 1, wherein mean rail goes adjacent to the pool.
 3. The system of claim 2, wherein the rail is moved motorized.
 4. The system of claim 3, wherein wheels are supported under the platform and over the rail. 